Club Scout, On The Rise

Making their way back into the DC-music scene is Club Scout. After some down time following their initial formation in 2007 and some line-up changes, Club Scout is back and already headlining shows, such as the one I saw at DC9 with opening bands, Winter Gloves and A Born Idler, where I was also able to catch up with these guys for an interview.

Club Scout combines each band member’s unique musical style to form one harmonious sound. Power-pop, grunge, and indie-rock are just some of their influences.. If you were to pick apart their music, instrument by instrument, you might be surprised as to the eclecticism that each band member brings.

In the back we’ve got Joe, the quiet yet clever drummer. While some may think he is spreading himself thin by being in two other bands besides Club Scout, Karmella’s Game and Pash, and having two jobs, there is definitely no lack of enthusiasm, OR talent. The band would surely be missing something without his hard, on-beat hits and cymbal tapping.

Stage left is Jeremy. Oh, sweet, sweet, witty Jeremy, playing his bass with the two-tone strap, and being oh so smooth. I feel that if we could stop all other instruments and just hear his bass, it would sound like he belongs in more of a funk (or perhaps ska?) band. But, hey this is what I’ve been talking about; the melding of everyone’s unique music style into one harmonious sound.

On lead guitar, is the more serious Javier. You may or may not know this, but one of Club Scout’s biggest influences is Weezer, which can be heard through Javier’s captivating melodies and solos. If you want power-pop, you got it. If you were to take away his guitar, the music sounds more like rock. Javier adds that extra, “We’ve got melodies, too!”, kick.

Then, there’s Ben, completing the band with both the second guitar and vocals. This is where we find the grunge element. His noisy guitar (and I say ‘noisy’ in a fond way) is sort of the back-bone of the melody section, with the bar cords and distortion. And his vocals? Those short staccato sentences and gravelly voice remind me a little of The Von Bondies. While his lyrics, are sometimes hard to understand, the bits that you can are lighthearted and often playful.

Let’s not forget to mention the band’s stage presence. Energy energy energy! They’ve got loads of it. Don’t just take my word for it. During their last two songs, including the popular “Tattoo”, the once motionless crowd sprang to life, starting a small mock mosh pit. While it was mostly just drunk guys jumping around, maybe doing a little pushing here and there, it was nonetheless a great end to a great set. Though I was sad not to hear their Morrisey-esque banter they excitingly wanted to mimic.

While no album exists yet, there seems to be some talk about a possible EP coming out by the end of this summer. In the meantime, listen to some tracks online at www.myspace.com/clubscoutmusic or see them at The Rock and Roll Hotel on May 29.